Wearing Spring Patterns and Stripes

It was really a coincidence that these wedges and skirt pattern match so well. The combination of different prints and textures in one outfit creates for an interesting spring ensemble. This outfit is focused on the shoes and skirt. No need for any additional accessories or bright shirt that is going to take the spotlight away from these two statement pieces.

Don’t be afraid to introduce textures and patterns to your outfits! You can start by wearing a patterned handbag or shoe as a way to dip your toe in the pattern mixing water.

I would love to know how you’re adding pattern into your spring outfits! Let me know in the comments.

Stay Stylish,
-V

Photos: @Peterlang

Chevron, Stripes and Studs

I remember the first time I bought a pair of distressed denim. They were ripped, embellished and had embroidered palm trees on them. This was back in the eighth grade and I thought I was the coolest kid. My mom thought otherwise, she wondered how a brand convinced her kid that it was ok to pay money for ripped jeans. I think this is still the case even today and the cycle will continue, let me know if you agree.

There are a few things to keep in-mind when wearing distressed denim shorts this spring and summer.

• Do not; I repeat, do not wear high heels with distressed denim shorts (unless your Beyonce – she can pull anything off).
• Do avoid panty shorts; this is when your shorts are so short they look like underwear.
• Do avoid wearing shorts that are so distressed that they show your underwear – not cute.
• Don’t let your pockets hang out.
• Do wear your denim shorts with a flowy top. Shorts are the tight bottoms that will balance a light top.

Have you found your perfect pair of distressed denim shorts? If not, don’t worry; I’m going to have an awesome giveaway coming up!

Stay Stylish,
-V

Photos: @peterlang

The Giant Sequoias

I unplugged and relaxed last weekend. As you can see from our photos, I spent my entire day outdoors enjoying some fresh air in the gorgeous Kings Canyon National Park. I feel very lucky to be able to visit these amazing National Parks every year (Kings Canyon, Sequoia and Yosemite National Park), either in the summer for hiking or the winter for snow trekking. Take a look at my previous post from Yosemite, it’s truly a winter wonderland.

Next month, we are planning one amazing and difficult hike, Half Dome Day Hike – more about this when it gets closer.

If you’ve never seen these trees in person, it’s definitely something to add to your bucket list. You can’t really comprehend the magnitude of their immense size until you get to see them up-close and in person. To give you an idea of their size take a look at the last photo and see just how insignificant we are in compared to these giants. Oh and that little girl in the last two photos is my little sister. =)

Have you had the opportunity to see these trees in person? If so, let me know in the comments! Also, please let me know what you think of these type of out of the norm posts, do you like or dislike, and would you like to see more of them?

Stay Stylish,
-V

Photos: @peterlang

A Spring Outfit for the Office

I know bra-bearing tops for the office is a big no-no but there are ways you can make your favorite lace top part of your work attire. I’m in my office almost 6 days a week either in meetings, finishing up projects or working with my colleagues and dressing appropriately for an office environment is a must. I don’t like wearing black all the time, even if it’s simple. I find ways to be stylish at work.

In this outfit, I wore an amazing peplum lace top over a nude camisole and a pair of fun patterned pants with pumps. I was able to balance an extra-girly top with crisp printed trousers. The daring way to wear lace tops is to have your bra exposed but a super simple way to convert this from office inappropriate to appropriate is to add a nude undershirt.

Don’t have any cami’s? Then I would advise you to take a trip to your nearest Forever 21 and buy every color of camisole available. That’s what I did. Why Forever 21 you ask? Well, they’re affordable, available in a variety of colors and you can always go and buy more if you wear them a lot. If you want to add a pop of color to a lace top or match it with another color in your outfit all you do is add a colored camisole. You can also add a blazer over your lace top for a more polished look.

Stay Stylish,
-V

Photos: @PeterLang

Fall 2013 Shoe Trends

I know we are in the thick of spring and it’s difficult to even begin to think about fall footwear until the long summer days are behind us but I thought I would give you a slight head start Fall / Winter footwear trends. Back in February I was lucky enough to attend MAGIC, the World’s Largest Apparel Trade Show, where I got a glimpse into the upcoming trends. I already wrote Spring/Summer 2014 Trends and now I thought it would be fun to explore what footwear we might be buying later this year.

These trend boards we’re created by Fashion Snoops, a global trend forecasting company. Part of their role as the official trend partner of MAGIC is the creation of these informational trend galleries that are placed throughout the Sourcing Show.

Which trend excites you the most?

Stay Stylish,
-V

A Casual & Stylish Spring Outfit

I know this is a timid take on pattern mixing but when you just want to wear something casual without much hustle and bustle – stripes and polka dots will always work. There are a variety of ways of mixing these two patterns from tame to extreme. For example, a bold black and white striped dress with a polka dot clutch might be too daring for some but ultimately it’s really what you’re in the mood for.

In this outfit, I went with a skinny striped top with a polka dot scarf and two bright accent colors. I kept spring in mind with putting this outfit together. I wanted to keep the color theme consistent. As I mentioned in my previous post, I’m in the brighter side of spring. Since the top has such thin stripes I went with larger polka dot print on my scarf to play with proportions. A thin striped top with small polka dot scarf would make this outfit a little too busy; the key to successful mixing is to vary the scale of the patterns, from small to large.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when mixing patterns in outfits:

• The key to successful mixing is to vary the scale, from small to large.
• Work with the same color intensity (color families)
• Complete your look with a solid piece to balance the entire outfit.
• Don’t select patterns that compete with each other. They need to complement one another, so if one is bold, the other shouldn’t be too busy.

Have you tried mixing patterns in your outfits? Let me know in the comments I would love to read what patterns you’ve worn together.

Stay Stylish,
-V

Photos: @peterlang

Wearing Brights this Spring

There are plenty of black, white and neutrals this spring, and don’t get me wrong I love the trend, but I can’t keep from wearing brights. As you can see from my recent outfits, I love bright fuchsias, greens, blues and even orange. (I do plan on wearing a mod black and white look soon.)

I bought this color-block bodycon skirt last year, it’s from BCBG. It’s really is a head turner. Beside the fact that it’s a body hugging skirt, the color is truly intense – I hope you can see the true color through these photos. When wearing a tight skirt, it’s best to keep the top not as form fitting. This will bring balance to the outfit. You wouldn’t want to wear tight bottoms and a tight top unless that’s the look you’re going for.

And as for these gorgeous heels, you have a chance to win your own pair. Just enter the giveaway, Coye Nokes Spring Sandals Giveaway. Since they came in the mail I have not wanted to take them off. I could wear them with every outfit as they’re one of my favorite shoes to wear this spring.

Are you wearing color this spring?

Stay Stylish,
-V

Photos: @peterlang

Enjoy the Outdoors

I don’t know if you’ve noticed from my outfit posts but I love being outdoors. Whether that be going for a bike ride, exercising, hiking, visiting a national park, taking an outfit posts or even doing more adventurous things like snowboarding, wake boarding or kayaking. I make an effort to enjoy the outdoors by taking some of my daily activities outside. Since I am a blogger and partner in a digital company, I spend lots and lots of time on a computer and I know it can be hard to find the time. Sometimes my boyfriend has to pry my laptop away from me in an effort for me to take it outside.

Since today is Earth Day, I thought it would be nice to share with you something a little different. Lots of outdoors photos in an effort to inspire you to “take it outside.” And if you already spend lots of time outdoors awesome!

Let me know in the comments what you do to take some of your daily activities outside.

Stay Stylish,
-V

This post is sponsored by Miracle-Gro.

Four Different Ways to Wear a Chambray Shirt

I love when I’m able to wear a single piece multiple ways and in a variety of styles, from dressy to casual. This was the case with this versatile chambray shirt. This week I realized that I’ve worn this top a lot. So today I want to share with you how you can change up your look with just one top.

In each of these outfits, the chambray top was the perfect complimenting touch. In two of these outfit the top was layered, then it was used to bring an evening top to day, and finally I wore it over a floral bodycon dress to balance the proportions of a very tight dress.

Outfit 1: How to Wear Chambray & Stripes
Outfit 2: What to Wear for Valentine’s Day – A Casual Outfit
Outfit 3: How to Wear an Evening Top During the Day
Outfit 4:How to Wear a Chambray Top with a Spring Dress

If you have yet to find your perfect chambray top take a look at the shopping post from last week, 10 Chic & Versatile Chambray Shirts for Spring, I’m sure you’ll find one that’s perfect for you.

Which outfit is your favorite?

Stay Stylish,
-V

Photos: @peterlang

Want to Win New Sandals for Spring!

I’m in love with this seasons bright spring colors. I especially love them on sandals. I’m very excited to partner with Coye Nokes to bring you this amazing spring sandal giveaway. You have a chance to win the sandal of your choice from the ones pictured above. Just follow and like using the widget below. Also make sure to leave a comment with your favorite sandal number.

*Please do not leave your email or web address in the body of the comment, only in the allotted boxes. Total value of this prize ranges from $325 to $385. Winner will be contacted by email once the giveaway closes. By entering this giveaway you agree to receive stylish inspirations straight to your inbox once a week from Stylishlyme! Colors are subject to availability.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck & Stay Stylish,
-V